Artwork Guidelines
High-quality artwork is necessary to produce a great product.
Here's what we recommend
Best Practices
Want to be our favorite customer ever? Follow our patented process outlined here (okay, it’s not patented, you caught us).
It’s absolutely not required to do everything! We’re here to help.
1
Show us what you mean
Send files as you wish to see them printed. Are there color changes? Give us a visual example! Special texture? Add it!
2
send files At Size
Send your art files at 100% print size where possible. If you’d like your final print to be 10″ wide on a shirt, set up your artwork at that size.
3
Outline editable type
After your design is pixel-perfect, any editable text should be converted to outlines.
4
Include all assets
Embed linked files (or include them) – Is there an image linked in your Illustrator file? Make sure to send it with your file, or embed it so it saves in the file.
5
Name files clearly
Name files after print placement. e.g. MegansCoolDesign-Front.ai
6
call out specific inks
Specify Ink Colors. Either from list of standard inks or by providing Pantone Solid Coated references.
The Basics
A high-quality artwork file is the first step in getting the best quality printing. At any point, if you would like us to review your artwork, submit it via the form above.
If you have multiple files and file types and are unsure which is best, we usually advise clients to send us everything they have, and we’ll make sure to choose the best one. We’re here to help!
Vector vs. Raster artwork
Raster, or pixel-based, artwork is resolution-dependent; the image quality decreases when scaled up, as the pixels become more visible (pixelation). This is usually for detailed images like photographs or complex textures with gradients. Common raster file formats are .tif, .psd, .jpg, .gif, .bmp.
Vector-based files, instead of having pixels, are made of mathematical paths, allowing them to be scaled to any size without any loss of quality. Most logos, icons, and text are vector. The most common vector file types are .svg, .ai, .eps, .pdf.
That covers most anything you’ll come across, but to further confuse things, it’s totally possible to save a raster file as a .pdf, or embed a low-resolution image in an .ai file. So, just like people, it’s what’s inside that counts! Not just the file extension.
Yep, just like people.
File types
We accept most file types. Our preferences depend on the print method and artwork, but usually the following formats are preferred: .pdf, .ai, .eps, .psd, .tif, .svg. We can also accept .jpg, .png, .bmp.
Note: no one file type is better than another (wow, how egalitarian of us to say that!) A properly sized .jpg file will print better than a low-resolution image saved as a .pdf.
When in doubt, send us everything you have, and we’ll find what works best.
Resolution
Raster files should be provided at 300dpi (dots per inch, or ppi, pixels per inch) at print size. For example, a 4″ wide print should have artwork that is 1200 pixels wide. In some cases, 200dpi is workable. 150dpi and lower resolution images may not print well.
No Issues!
Usually a decent print result is possible
Final print appearance will not be ideal.
Avoid the following
Some filters severely complicate our ability to properly replicate an image onto your garments. Looking for a distressed effect or to give your design an edge? Let us help!
To ensure the design can be broken down into a screen printable format for separations, the artwork requires specifics or the end print will be compromised. This is vital when printing a multi-colored design. We don’t mean to be difficult, we just want to make sure the end result mimics your intentions.
Scaling dpi
posterizing
indexing
Halftones
Standard + Custom Inks
While we have a handful of standard inks that are suitable for most prints, we can mix any PANTONE Solid Coated color, so your artwork is printed pitch perfect.
Crowd Reactions
- 50% Say – Rad, here’s the PMS number(s)!
- 50% Say – I’m sorry… umm Pan-what?
Pro Definition: The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system; as of 2019 it has 2161 colors. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.
Breakin’ it down: Do you want your artwork to be a specific color? Rad – we can do that!